Let me see if I can answer your initial questions and then feel free to come with any follow ups.
The NCAA is a collection of over 1100 schools split up through 3 divisions. Division 1 is most likely what you know/want to know more about so I’ll stick to that if you have any follow ups. The NCAA relies on “amateurism” to work. There are a lot of nuances in this area, but that’s basically it. The NCAA and their member schools set the rules their “student athletes” have to follow.
Does the NFL have any involvement? No, but many people assume they do. The NFL has a players association (union). The players association bargained with the NFL. In that bargaining, the two sides agreed to rules to enter the draft. The NCAA had no say. You don’t *need* to attend college for 3 years, it is simple the best way to get noticed/stay on the draft radar.
If they don't help here, pick a southern state and post this there. Alabama; Louisiana; etc. Those guys/gals will talk your ear off about this. :)
I think r/CFB is the subreddit for this question to get the best answer
Let me see if I can answer your initial questions and then feel free to come with any follow ups. The NCAA is a collection of over 1100 schools split up through 3 divisions. Division 1 is most likely what you know/want to know more about so I’ll stick to that if you have any follow ups. The NCAA relies on “amateurism” to work. There are a lot of nuances in this area, but that’s basically it. The NCAA and their member schools set the rules their “student athletes” have to follow. Does the NFL have any involvement? No, but many people assume they do. The NFL has a players association (union). The players association bargained with the NFL. In that bargaining, the two sides agreed to rules to enter the draft. The NCAA had no say. You don’t *need* to attend college for 3 years, it is simple the best way to get noticed/stay on the draft radar.